Beverly Donato,a 29-year resident of Plumas County, passed away at home with family at her side on Monday, Oct. 8, 2018, as a result of heart-related issues.
Born on Aug. 10, 1939, in Throne, Alberta, Canada to Forest and Nellie (Agar) Hesp, she was the youngest of 12 children.
As a teenager, Beverly and her family moved toSt. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, where she attended high school, and subsequently received educational and professional experience with International Harvester, Ford Motor Company, and Dominion Foundries and Steel.
In 1968, she married Robert Luke, of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, and they relocated to Corning, New York, where they had two children. Robert passed away in 1977, and Beverly raised her children while attending school and working at Corning Community College.
In 1983, she married Donald Donato, of White Plains, New York. Beverly, along with her children Beth and David, relocated to Lockport, New York, to join Don’s daughters Suzanne, Cynthia, Anne and Maureen, from his previous marriage.
In 1989, Beverly and Don moved to Plumas County when Don became President of Feather River Community College. Beverly assisted with organizing events to benefit the College.She enjoyed developing friendships, getting to know the Plumas County area and learning to play golf.
Don passed away in December 2001.
Beverly valued the learning opportunities she gained from various community affiliations, including being a member and treasurer of the Plumas Women’s Golf Club and the secretary/treasurer of the Plumas Eureka Homeowners’ Association for 27 years; a member and the historian for the Eastern Plumas Healthcare Foundation Board from 2006 to 2016; and a member of the Nevada Society of Scottish Clans for the past 13 years.
She attended the Graeagle Community Church, and Christ the King Episcopal Church in Quincy.
Beverly was an avid golf and tennis enthusiast. She often attended First Friday receptions at the Quincy Art Galleries and performances at the West End Theatre. She greatly enjoyed supporting local events, restaurants and businesses with her companion of the past 14 years, Roger Settlemire of Quincy. Beverly loved living in the Blairsden-Graeagle area and truly considered it her home.
Beverly is survived by her daughter, Beth Hintonand her husband Hal, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania; her son, David Luke and his girlfriend, Tiffany Cookro, of Winter Garden, Florida; her stepdaughters, Cynthia Donato, of St. Louis, Missouri, Anne Chrzanowski and her husband Michael of Peachtree City, Georgia, Maureen Donato of Montreal, Quebec, Canada; her longtime companion, Roger Settlemire, of Quincy; and his children, Craig Settlemire, of Lake Almanor, Cathy Michaels, of Fort Collins, Colorado, Rob Settlemire, of Carson City, Nevada; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, seven step-grandchildren, and many cherished friends.
Beverly was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Luke, her second husband, Donald Donato, five sisters, six brothers and her stepdaughter, Suzanne Donato.
A service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27, at noon at the Graeagle Community Church, and a reception celebrating Beverly’s life will follow at the Coyote Bar & Grill in Graeagle.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Graeagle Community Church — 150 Graeagle Johnsville Road, Graeagle, CA 96103; Christ the King Episcopal Church — 545 Lawrence Street, Quincy, CA 95971; and the Main Street Artists Gallery — 436 Main St., Quincy, CA 95971.